On Sunday, May 12, the MST community came together for a day of reforestation at the Tree Planting Festival organized by Silva, a dedicated non-profit association. This event saw 44 enthusiastic participants from MST join 400 others at Shonan Meguri no Mori, collectively planting an impressive 2,340 trees.
Silva has been championing reforestation efforts in the Shonan area (Zushi, Hayama, Kamakura) for over a decade. Their approach at Meguri no Mori focuses on regenerating the evergreen broad-leaved forests that originally thrived in the region.
In 1980, the mountain suffered extensive damage due to a redevelopment project intended for a golf course. This deforestation, driven by human activity, contributed to the climate challenges we face today. Fortunately, the failed development plan led to the land being returned to Kanagawa prefecture. Since then, local citizens, with the support of organizations like Silva, have been planting native trees to restore the forest.
Held twice a year, in spring and autumn, Silva's Tree Planting Festival is more than just an environmental initiative; it's a community celebration. This year, the festival coincided with Mother's Day, making the act of planting trees for "Mother Earth" even more meaningful. By increasing forest cover, we can help heal the planet, stabilize the climate, and foster hope for the future.
The trees planted on May 12 mark the "birthday" of a new forest. Silva will nurture these trees for the next 1 to 2 years, after which they will thrive independently. In 20 to 30 years, the area will transform into a lush native forest—a process that would naturally take 200 to 300 years without human intervention. This accelerated timeline underscores the profound impact humans can have on environmental restoration. Children who plant trees today will witness the fruits of their labor as adults, enjoying the forest they helped create.
This initiative highlights the powerful role humans play in environmental stewardship. As one young participant poignantly wrote on the wooden tag placed around the tree they planted, "From MST for the World." The act of planting native forests is a tangible step toward climate stability. By trusting in nature and committing to reforestation, we can foster a healthier planet for future generations.
Let's continue to embrace the spirit of the Tree Planting Festival, working together to restore and protect our precious natural environments.
Naoko Kikkawa
MST Sustainability Lead